I teach 20th century American History through the story of Black American Popular Dance. Conversely, I teach the stories of American Popular Dance as the history of race, nation, and gender in the US and the Atlantic at large. My teaching of this history is rooted in Jazz. For more information about my training and lineages in Black American Popular Dance see ‘About.’

Vernacular Jazz aka Solo Jazz aka Authentic Jazz aka African American Vernacular Jazz aka Jazz Roots, refers to Black vernacular dances styles ranging from Cake Walk and Charleston through to Be-bop and early rock and roll. Unlike Broadway Jazz, it has limited influences from ballet. It sometimes, but not always, indicates dancing without a partner (rather than dancing with a partner, like Lindy Hop). Solo Jazz can be improvised or choreographed. It ranges from sly and slinky to aerobic and goofy.

Lindy Hop was is a vernacular jazz dance created by working class Afro-American people in Harlem in the 1930's. Lindy Hop, variously known as swing dance or even “the Jitterbug” is danced with a partner to classic big band music, swampy New Orleans jazz, or even Motown.

I started Lindy Hopping in 2009 in Baltimore. I was invited to train with Gaurdian Baltimore. After attending many swing dance events and festivals all over the world, including Stompology, Herrang, ILHC, and more I created Ragtag Empire with Heather Houde in 2017, hosting parties, teach classes, and sharing history. I handed Ragtag Empire off to the next generation in 2023.

My teaching, as needed, branches into the dances associated with Funk (Locking), Disco (Waacking/Punking) and can draws connections to House, Hip Hop, and Breaking.

photo credits: Jerry Almonte (color) Tyler Sakil (black and white)